Watch out, there's a milk thief about

CRUEL pranksters have been stealing milk from the doorsteps of Reading's elderly and taunting their victims by leaving them notes.

Dairy companies and customers have been left with a sour taste in their mouths as it emerged Reading has been the scene of a spate of early morning thefts in recent weeks.

The revelation came to light when milkman Stuart Watkins, who works for food company Dairy Crest, wrote a letter to the Evening Post

sarcastically thanking thieves for stealing from a 90-year-old customer in Newtown.

Then milk thieves targeted Woodley, taking five pints of the white stuff from homes in Beechwood Avenue and replacing them with a note saying they hoped the victims liked their cereal dry which was signed "your local milk thief".

Mr Watkins' letter said: "I would like to say thank you to the persons involved in stealing one pint of milk priced 47p from one of my customers in Avon Place.

"Not only have I lost a valued customer of 26 years, but the elderly gentleman of 90 now has to go to the shops - thanks."

Dairy Crest bosses admitted the company is concerned at the recent spate of thefts from doorsteps and urged customers to report all

incidents to the police.

Chris Munn, marketing controller for the dairy giant, said: "The theft of milk from the doorstep is a crime and we are actively working with Thames Valley Police to apprehend the thieves responsible.

"Dairy Crest is proud of the excellent service it provides and takes the stealing of milk from customers very seriously, as not only does it affect our customers but also damages the livelihood of the milkmen."

Anyone with information on the thefts can call Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.